This book critically engages with how the conservation of tropical rainforests is financed. Beginning with the context of tropical deforestation, alongside an overview of tropical ecology, global environmental policy and finance, the book reviews several conservation financing instruments. These include ecotourism and private reserves, debt-for-nature swaps and government domestic budgetary expenditures for state and national parks.
Tropical deforestation and forest degradation are serious global environmental issues, contributing to global climate change, species extinction, and threatening the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. Yet, many leading companies, individuals and governments are making a positive impact on tropical forest conservation to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions through the use of conservation finance.
Conservation of Tropical Rainforests tells the history of international conservation finance and provides a variety of options for individuals, businesses, and governments to support conservation financing projects.
1. Preface.- 2. The Context of Tropical Rainforest Deforestation and Degradation.- 3. Tropical Rainforest Ecology.- 4. Global Environmental Policy.- 5. International Finance.- 6. The Origins and History of Conservation Finance.- 7. Government Domestic Budgetary Expenditures.- 8. Tax Deductions and Conservation Easements.- 9. Government International Budgetary Expenditures.- 10. Impact Investing.- 11. Payments for Ecosystem Services.- 12. Ecotourism and Private Reserves.- 13. Debt-for-Nature Swaps.- 14. Bioprospecting.- 15. Green Procurement Models.- 16. Green Bonds, Landscape Bonds, and Rainforest Bonds.- 17. Additional Considerations for Tropical Forest Conservation Finance.- 18. The Future of Conservation Finance.
Brian Joseph McFarland is the Portfolio Director at Carbonfund.org Foundation and the Project Origination Director at CarbonCo, LLC. Brian is a certified Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute, certified Greenhouse Gas Inventory Quantifier from CSA Standards, and a Certified Sustainability Professional from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals.
He earned a dual graduate degree in Business Administration and Global Environmental Policy from American University and his undergraduate degree in Psychology and International Development was earned from Clark University.
